LXV
WhenayouthwasgivinghimselfairsintheTheatreandsaying，\"Iamwise，forIhaveconversedwithmanywisemen，\"
Epictetusreplied，\"Itoohaveconversedwithmanyrichmen，yetIamnotrich!\"
LXVI
Weseethatacarpenterbecomesacarpenterbylearningcertainthings：thatapilot，bylearningcertainthings，becomesapilot。Possiblyalsointhepresentcasethemeredesiretobewiseandgoodisnotenough。Itisnecessarytolearncertainthings。Thisisthentheobjectofoursearch。ThePhilosopherswouldhaveusfirstlearnthatthereisaGod，andthatHisProvidencedirectstheUniverse；further，thattohidefromHimnotonlyone’sactsbutevenone’sthoughtsandintentionsisimpossible；secondly，whatthenatureofGodis。Whateverthatnatureisdiscoveredtobe，themanwhowouldpleaseandobeyHimmuststrivewithallhismighttobemadelikeuntohim。IftheDivineisfaithful，healsomustbefaithful；iffree，healsomustbefree；ifbeneficent，healsomustbebeneficent；ifmagnanimous，healsomustbemagnanimous。ThusasanimitatorofGodmusthefollowHimineverydeedandword。
LXVII
IfIshowyou，thatyoulackjustwhatismostimportantandnecessarytohappiness，thathithertoyourattentionhasbeenbestowedoneverythingratherthanthatwhichclaimsitmost；
and，tocrownall，thatyouknowneitherwhatGodnorManis——
neitherwhatGoodorEvilis：why，thatyouareignorantofeverythingelse，perhapsyoumaybeartobetold；buttohearthatyouknownothingofyourself，howcouldyousubmittothat？
Howcouldyoustandyourgroundandsufferthattobeproved？
Clearlynotatall。Youinstantlyturnawayinwrath。YetwhatharmhaveIdonetoyou？Unlessindeedthemirrorharmstheill—favouredmanbyshowinghimtohimselfjustasheis；unlessthephysiciancanbethoughttoinsulthispatient，whenhetellshim：——\"Friend，doyousupposethereisnothingwrongwithyou？
why，youhaveafever。Eatnothingto—day，anddrinkonlywater。\"
Yetnoonesays，\"Whataninsufferableinsult!\"Whereasifyousaytoaman，\"Yourdesiresareinflamed，yourinstinctsofrejectionareweakandlow，youraimsareinconsistent，yourimpulsesarenotinharmonywithNature，youropinionsarerashandfalse，\"heforthwithgoesawayandcomplainsthatyouhaveinsultedhim。
LXVIII
Ourwayofliferesemblesafair。Theflocksandherdsarepassingalongtobesold，andthegreaterpartofthecrowdtobuyandsell。Buttherearesomefewwhocomeonlytolookatthefair，toinquirehowandwhyitisbeingheld，uponwhatauthorityandwithwhatobject。Sotoo，inthisgreatFairoflife，some，likethecattle，troublethemselvesaboutnothingbutthefodder。Knowallofyou，whoarebusiedaboutland，slavesandpublicposts，thatthesearenothingbutfodder!SomefewthereareattendingtheFair，wholovetocontemplatewhattheworldis，whatHethatadministersit。CantherebenoAdministrator？isitpossible，thatwhileneithercitynorhouseholdcouldendureevenamomentwithoutonetoadministerandseetoitswelfare，thisFabric，sofair，sovast，shouldbeadministeredinordersoharmonious，withoutapurposeandbyblindchance？ThereisthereforeanAdministrator。WhatisHisnatureandhowdoesHeadminister？AndwhoarewethatareHischildrenandwhatworkwereweborntoperform？HaveweanycloseconnectionorrelationwithHimornot？
SucharetheimpressionsofthefewofwhomIspeak。Andfurther，theyapplythemselvessolelytoconsideringandexaminingthegreatassemblybeforetheydepart。Well，theyarederidedbythemultitude。Soarethelookers—onbythetraders：
aye，andifthebeastshadanysense，theywouldderidethosewhothoughtmuchofanythingbutfodder!
LXIX
IthinkIknownowwhatIneverknewbefore——themeaningofthecommonsaying，Afoolyoucanneitherbendnorbreak。PrayheavenImayneverhaveawisefoolformyfriend!Thereisnothingmoreintractable。——\"Myresolveisfixed!\"——Whysomadmansaytoo；butthemorefirmlytheybelieveintheirdelusions，themoretheystandinneedoftreatment。
LXX
——\"O!whenshallIseeAthensanditsAcropolisagain？\"——
Miserableman!artthounotcontentedwiththedailysightsthatmeetthineeyes？canstthoubeholdaughtgreaterornoblerthantheSun，Moon，andStars；thantheoutspreadEarthandSea？IfindeedthousapprehendestHimwhoadministerstheuniverse，ifthoubearestHimaboutwithinthee，canstthoustillhankeraftermerefragmentsofstoneandfinerock？WhenthouartabouttobidfarewelltotheSunandMoonitself，wiltthousitdownandcrylikeachild？Why，whatdidstthouhear，whatdidstthoulearn？
whydidstthouwritethyselfdownaphilosopher，whenthoumightesthavewrittenwhatwasthefact，namely，\"IhavemadeoneortwoConpendiums，IhavereadsomeworksofChrysippus，andI
havenoteventouchedthehemofPhilosophy’srobe\"!
LXXI
Friend，layholdwithadesperategrasp，ereitistoolate，onFreedom，onTranquility，onGreatnessofsoul!Liftupthyhead，asoneescapedfromslavery；daretolookuptoGod，andsay：——\"DealwithmehenceforthasThouwilt；ThouandIareofonemind。IamThine：IrefusenothingthatseeethgoodtoThee；
leadonwhitherThouwilt；clothemeinwhatgarbThoupleasest；
wiltThouhavemearulerorasubject——athomeorinexile——
poororrich？AllthesethingswillIjustifyuntomenforThee。
Iwillshowthetruenatureofeach……\"
WhowouldHerculeshavebeenhadheloiteredathome？noHercules，butEurystheus。Andinhiswanderingsthroughtheworldhowmanyfriendsandcomradesdidhefind？butnothingdearertohimthanGod。WhereforehewasbelievedtobeGod’sson，asindeedhewas。SotheninobediencetoHim，hewentaboutdeliveringtheearthfrominjusticeandlawlessness。
ButthouartnotHercules，thousayest，andcanstnotdeliverothersfromtheiriniquity——notevenTheseus，todeliverthesoilofAtticafromitsmonsters？Purgeawaythineown，castforththence——fromthineownmind，notrobbersandmonsters，butFear，Desire，Envy，Malignity，Avarice，Effeminacy，Intemperance。
Andthesemaynotbecastout，exceptbylookingtoGodalone，byfixingthyaffectionsonHimonly，andbyconsecratingthyselftoHiscommands。Ifthouchoosestaughtelse，withsighsandgroansthouwiltbeforcedtofollowaMightgreaterthanthineown，everseekingTranquillitywithout，andneverabletoattainuntoher。Forthouseekestherwheresheisnottobefound；andwheresheis，therethouseekesthernot!
LXXII
IfamanwouldpursuePhilosophy，hisfirsttaskistothrowawayconceit。Foritisimpossibleforamantobegintolearnwhathehasaconceitthathealreadyknows。
LXXIII
Givemebutoneyoungman，thathascometotheSchoolwiththisintention，whostandsforthachampionofthiscause，andsays，\"AllelseIrenounce，contentifIambutabletopassmylifefreefromhindranceandtrouble；toraisemyheadaloftandfaceallthingsasafreeman；tolookuptoheavenasafriendofGod，fearingnothingthatmaycometopass!\"Pointoutsuchaonetome，thatImaysay，\"Enter，youngman，intopossessionofthatwhichisthineown。ForthylotistoadornPhilosophy。
Thinearethesepossessions；thinethesebooks，thesediscourses!\"
Andwhenourchampionhasdulyexercisedhimselfinthispartofthesubject，Ihopehewillcomebacktomeandsay：——
\"WhatIdesireistobefreefrompassionandfromperturbation；
asonewhogrudgesnopainsinthepursuitofpietyandphilosophy，whatIdesireistoknowmydutytotheGods，mydutytomyparents，tomybrothers，tomycountry，tostrangers。\"
\"Enterthenonthesecondpartofthesubject；itisthinealso。\"
\"ButIhavealreadymasteredthesecondpart；onlyIwishedtostandfirmandunshaken——asfirmwhenasleepaswhenawake，asfirmwhenelatedwithwineasindespondencyanddejection。\"
\"Friend，youareverilyaGod!youcherishgreatdesigns。\"
LXXIV
\"Thequestionatstake，\"saidEpictetus，\"isnocommonone；
itisthis：——Areweinoursenses，orarewenot？\"
LXXV
Ifyouhavegivenwaytoanger，besurethatoverandabovetheevilinvolvedtherein，youhavestrengthenedthehabit，andaddedfueltothefire。Ifovercomebyatemptationoftheflesh，donotreckonitasingledefeat，butthatyouhavealsostrengthenedyourdissolutehabits。Habitsandfacultiesarenecessarilyaffectedbythecorrespondingacts。Thosethatwerenottherebefore，springup：therestgaininstrengthandextent。ThisistheaccountwhichPhilosophersgiveoftheoriginofdiseasesofthemind：——Supposeyouhaveoncelustedaftermoney：ifreasonsufficienttoproduceasenseofevilbeapplied，thenthelustischecked，andthemindatonceregainsitsoriginalauthority；whereasifyouhaverecoursetonoremedy，youcannolongerlookforthisreturn——onthecontrary，thenexttimeitisexcitedbythecorrespondingobject，theflameofdesireleapsupmorequicklythanbefore。Byfrequentrepetition，themindinthelongrunbecomescallous；andthusthismentaldiseaseproducesconfirmedAvarice。
Onewhohashadfever，evenwhenithaslefthim，isnotinthesameconditionofhealthasbefore，unlessindeedhiscureiscomplete。Somethingofthesamesortistruealsoofdiseasesofthemind。Behind，thereremainsalegacyoftracesandblisters：
andunlesstheseareeffectuallyerased，subsequentblowsonthesamespotwillproducenolongermereblisters，butsores。Ifyoudonotwishtobepronetoanger，donotfeedthehabit；giveitnothingwhichmaytenditsincrease。Atfirst，keepquietandcountthedayswhenyouwerenotangry：\"Iusedtobeangryeveryday，theneveryotherday：nexteverytwo，nexteverythreedays!\"andifyousucceedinpassingthirtydays，sacrificetotheGodsinthanksgiving。
LXXVI
Howthenmaythisbeattained？——Resolve，nowifneverbefore，toapprovethyselftothyself；resolvetoshowthyselffairinGod’ssight；longtobepurewiththineownpureselfandGod!
LXXVII
Thatisthetrueathlete，thattrainshimselftoresistsuchoutwardimpressionsasthese。
\"Stay，wretchedman!suffernotthyselftobecarriedaway!\"
Greatisthecombat，divinethetask!youarefightingforKingship，forLiberty，forHappiness，forTranquillity。RememberGod：calluponHimtoaidthee，likeacomradethatstandsbesidetheeinthefight。
LXXVIII
WhothenisaStoic——inthesensethatwecallastatueofPhidiaswhichismodelledafterthatmaster’sart？Showmeamaninthissensemodelledafterthedoctrinesthatareeveruponhislips。Showmeamanthatissick——andhappy；anexile——andhappy；
inevilreport——andhappy!Showmehim，Iaskagain。SohelpmeHeaven，IlongtoseeoneStoic!Nay，ifyoucannotshowmeonefullymodelled，letmeatleastseeoneinwhomtheprocessisatwork——onewhosebentisinthatdirection。Domethatfavour!
Grudgeitnottoanoldman，tobeholdasighthehasneveryetbeheld。ThinkyouIwishtoseetheZeusorAthenaofPhidias，bedeckedwithgoldandivory？——Nay，showme，oneofyou，ahumansoul，desiringtobeofonemindwithGod，nomoretolayblameonGodorman，tosuffernothingtodisappoint，nothingtocrosshim，toyieldneithertoanger，envy，norjealousy——inaword，whydisguisethematter？onethatfromamanwouldfanbecomeaGod；onethatwhilestillimprisionedinthisdeadbodymakesfellowshipwithGodhisaim。Showmehim!——Ah，youcannot!Thenwhymockyourselvesanddeludeothers？whystalkabouttrickedoutinothermen’sattrire，thievesandrobbersthatyouareofnamesandthingstowhichyoucanshownotitle!
LXXIX
Ifyouhaveassumedacharacterbeyondyourstrength，youhavebothplayedapoorfigureinthat，andneglectedonethatiswithinyourpowers。
LXXX
Fellow，youhavecometoblowsathomewithaslave：youhaveturnedthehouseholdupsidedown，andthrowntheneighbourhoodintoconfusion；anddoyoucometomethenwithairsofassumedmodesty——doyousitdownlikeasageandcriticisemyexplanantionofthereadings，andwhateveridlebabbleyousayhascomeintomyhead？Haveyoucomefullofenvy，anddejectedbecausenothingissentyoufromhome；andwhilethediscussionisgoingon，doyousitbroodingonnothingbuthowyourfatheroryourbrotheraredisposedtowardsyou：——\"Whataretheysayingaboutmethere？atthismomenttheyimagineIammakingprogressandsaying，Hewillreturnperfectlyomniscient!
IwishIcouldbecomeomniscientbeforeIreturn；butthatwouldbeverytroublesome。Noonesendsmeanything——thebathsatNicopolisaredirty；thingsarewretchedathomeandwretchedhere。\"Andthentheysay，\"NobodyisanythebetterfortheSchool。\"——WhocomestotheSchoolwithasincerewishtolearn：
tosubmithisprinciplestocorrectionandhimselftotreatment？
Who，togainasenseofhiswants？WhythenbesurprisedifyoucarryhomefromtheSchoolexactlywhatyoubringintoit？
LXXXI
\"Epictetus，Ihaveoftencomedesiringtohearyouspeak，andyouhavenevergivenmeanyanswer；nowifpossible，I
entreatyou，saysomethingtome。\"
\"Isthere，doyouthink，\"repliedEpictetus，\"anartofspeakingasofotherthings，ifitistobedoneskilfullyandwithprofittothehearer？\"
\"Yes。\"
\"Andareallprofitedbywhattheyhear，oronlysomeamongthem？Sothatitseemsthereisanartofhearingaswellasofspeaking……Tomakeastatueneedsskill：toviewastatuearightneedsskillalso。\"
\"Admitted。\"
\"AndIthinkallwillallowthatonewhoproposestohearphilosophersspeakneedsaconsiderabletraininginhearing。Isthatnotso？Thetellmeonwhatsubjectyourareabletohearme。\"
\"Why，ongoodandevil。\"
\"Thegoodandevilofwhat？ahorse，anox？\"
\"No；ofaman。\"
\"DoweknowthenwhatManis？whathisnatureis？whatisthideawehaveofhim？Andareourearspractisedinanydegreeonthesubject？Nay，doyouunderstandwhatNatureis？canyoufollowmeinanydegreewhenIsaythatIshallhavetousedemonstration？DoyouunderstandwhatDemonstrationis？whatTrueorFalseis？……mustIdriveyoutoPhilosophy？……ShowmewhatgoodIamtodobydiscoursingwithyou。Rousemydesiretodoso。Thesightofapastureitlovesstirsinasheepthedesiretofeed：showitastoneorabitofbreadanditremainsunmoved。Thuswealsohavecertainnaturaldesires，aye，andonethatmovesustospeakwhenwefindalistenerthatisworthhissalt：onethathhimselfstirsthespirit。Butifhesitsbylikeastoneoratuftofgrass，howcanherouseaman’sdesire？\"
\"Thenyouwillsaynothingtome？\"
\"Icanonlytellyouthis：thatonewhoknowsnotwhoheisandtowhatendhewasborn；whatkindofworldthisisandwithwhomheisassociatedtherein；onewhocannotdistinguishGoodandEvil，BeautyandFoulness，……TruthandFalsehood，willneverfollowReasoninshapinghisdesiresandimpulsesandrepulsions，noryetinassent，denial，orsuspensionofjudgement；butwillinonewordgoaboutdeafandblind，thinkinghimselftobesomewhat，whenheisintruthofnoaccount。Isthereanythingnewinallthis？Isnotthisignorancethecauseofallthemistakesandmischancesofmensincethehumanracebegan？……\"
\"ThisisallIhavetosaytoyou，andeventhisagainstthegrain。Why？Becauseyouhavenotstirredmyspirit。ForwhatcanIseeinyoutostirme，asaspiritedhorsewillstirajudgeofhorses？Yourbody？Thatyoumaltreat。Yourdress？Thatisluxurious。Youbehavior，yourlook？——Nothingwhatever。Whenyouwanttohearaphilosopher，donotsay，Yousaynothingtome’；
onlyshowyourselfworthyorfittohear，andthenyouwillseehowyouwillmovethespeaker。\"
LXXXII
Andnow，whenyouseebrothersapparentlygoodfriendsandlivinginaccord，donotimmediatelypronounceanythingupontheirfriendship，thoughtheyshouldaffirmitwithanoath，thoughtheyshoulddeclare，\"Forustoliveapartinathingimpossible!\"Fortheheartofabadmanisfaithless，unprincipled，inconstant：nowoverpoweredbyoneimpression，nowbyanother。Asknottheusualquestions，Weretheybornofthesameparents，rearedtogether，andunderthesametutor；butaskthisonly，inwhattheyplacetheirrealinterest——whetherinoutwardthingsorintheWill。Ifinoutwardthings，callthemnotfriends，anymorethanfaithful，constant，braveorfree：
callthemnotevenhumanbeings，ifyouhaveanysense……ButshouldyouhearthatthesemenholdtheGoodtolieonlyintheWill，onlyinrightlydealingwiththethingsofsense，takenomoretroubletoinquirewhethertheyarefatherandsonorbrothers，orcomradesoflongstanding；but，sureofthisonething，pronounceasboldlythattheyarefriendsasthattheyarefaithfulandjust：forwhereelsecanFriendshipbefoundthanwhereModestyis，wherethereisaninterchangeofthingsfairandhonest，andofsuchonly？
LXXXIII
NomancanrobusofourWill——nomancanlorditoverthat!
LXXXIV
Whendiseaseanddeathovertakeme，IwouldfainbefoundengagedinthetaskofliberatingmineoewWillfromtheassaultsofpassion，fromhindrance，fromresentment，fromslavery。
ThuswouldIfaintobefoundemployed，sothatImaysaytoGod，\"HaveIinaughttransgressedThycommands？HaveIinaughtpervertedthefaculties，thesenses，thenaturalprinciplesthatThoudidstgiveme？HaveIeverblamedTheeorfoundfaultwithThineadministration？WhenitwasThygoodpleasure，Ifellsick——
andsodidothermen：bymywillconsented。BecauseitwasThypleasure，Ibecamepoor：butmyheartrejoiced。NopowerintheStatewasmine，becauseThouwouldstnot：suchpowerIneverdesired!HastThoueverseenmeofmoredolefulcountenanceonthataccount？HaveInoteverdrawnnighuntoTheewithcheerfullook，waitinguponThycommands，attentivetoThysignals？WiltThouthatInowdepartfromthegreatAssemblyofmen？Igo：I
giveTheeallthanks，thatThouhastdeemedmeworthytotakepartwithTheeinthisAssembly：tobeholdThyworks，tocomprehendthisThineadministration。\"
SuchIwouldwerethesubjectofmythoughts，mypen，mystudy，whendeathovertakesme。
LXXXV
Seemethitnothingtoyou，nevertoaccuse，nevertoblameeitherGodorMan？toweareverthesamecountenanceingoingforthasincomingin？ThiswasthesecretofSocrates：yetheneversaidthatheknewortaughtanything……Whoamongstyoumakesthishisaim？Wereitindeedso，youwouldgladlyenduresickness，hunger，aye，deathitself。
LXXXVI
HowareweconstitutedbyNature？Tobefree，tobenoble，tobemodest（forwhatotherlivingthingiscapableofblushing，oroffeelingtheimpressionofshame？）andtosubordinatepleasuretotheendsforwhichNaturedesignedus，asahandmaidandaminister，inordertocallforthouractivity；inordertokeepusconstanttothepathprescribedbyNature。
LXXXVII
Thehusbandmandealswithland；physiciansandtrainerswiththebody；thewisemanwithhisownMind。
LXXXVIII
WhichofusdoesnotadmirewhatLycurgustheSpartandid？A
youngcitizenhadputouthiseye，andbeenhandedovertohimbythepeopletobepunishedathisowndiscretion。Lycurgusabstainedfromallvengeance，butonthecontraryinstructedandmadeagoodmanofhim。Producinghiminpublicinthetheatre，hesaidtotheastonishedSpartans：——\"Ireceivedthisyoungmanatyourhandsfullofviolenceandwantoninsolence；Irestorehimtoyouinhisrightmindandfittoservehiscountry。\"
LXXXIX
Amoney—changermaynotrejectCaesar’scoin，normaythesellerofherbs，butmustwhenoncethecoinisshown，deliverwhatissoldforit，whetherhewillorno。SoisitalsowiththeSoul。OncetheGoodappears，itattractstowardsitself；evilrepels。ButaclearandcertainimpressionoftheGoodtheSoulwillneverreject，anymorethanmendoCaesar’scoin。OnthishangseveryimpulsealikeofManandGod。
XC
AskedwhatCommonSensewas，Epictetusreplied：——
AsthatmaybecalledaCommonEarwhichdistinguishesonlysounds，whilethatwhichdistinguishesmusicalnotesisnotcommonbutproducedbytraining；sotherearecertainthingswhichmennotentirelypervertedseebythenaturalprinciplescommontoall。SuchaconstitutionoftheMindiscalledCommonSense。
XCI
Canstthoujudgemen？……thenmakeusimitatorsofthyself，asSocratesdid。Dothis，donotdothat，elsewillI
casttheeintoprision；thisisnotgoverningmenlikereasonablecreatures。Sayrather，AsGodhathordained，sodo；elsethouwiltsufferchastisementandloss。Askestthouwhatloss？Noneotherthanthis：Tohaveleftundonewhatthoushouldsthavedone：tohavelostthefaithfulness，thereverence，themodestythatisinthee!Greaterlossthanthisseeknottofind!
XCII
\"Hissonisdead。\"
Whathashappened？
\"Hissonisdead。\"
Nothingmore？
\"Nothing。\"
\"Hisshipislost。\"
\"Hehasbeenhaledtoprision。\"
Whathashappened？
\"Hehasbeenhaledtoprision。\"
Butthatanyofthesethingsaremisfortunestohim，isanadditionwhicheveryonemakesofhisown。But（yousay）Godisunjustisthis。——Why？Forhavinggiventheeenduranceandgreatnessofsoul？Forhavingmadesuchthingstobenoevils？
Forplacinghappinesswithinthyreach，evenwhenenduringthem？
Foropenuntotheeadoor，whenthingsmakenotforthygood？——
Depart，myfriendandfindfaultnomore!
XCIII
YouaresailingtoRome（youtellme）toobtainthepostofGovernorofCnossus。Youarenotcontenttostayathomewiththehonoursyouhadbefore；youwantsomethingonalargerscale，andmoreconspicuous。Butwhendidyoueverundertakeavoyageforthepurposeofreviewingyourownprinciplesandgettingridofanyofthemthatprovedunsound？Whomdidyouevervisitforthatobject？Whattimedidyoueversetyourselfforthat？Whatage？Runoverthetimesofyourlife——byyourself，ifyouareashamedbeforeme。Didyouexamineyourprincipleswhenaboy？
Didyounotdoeverythingjustasyoudonow？Orwhenyouwereastripling，attendingtheschooloforatoryandpractisingtheartyourself，whatdidyoueverimagineyoulacked？Andwhenyouwereayoungman，entereduponpubliclife，andwerepleadingcausesandmakinganame，whoanylongerseemedequaltoyou？Andatwhatmomentwouldyouhaveenduredanotherexaminingyourprinciplesandprovingthattheywereunsound？WhatthenamItosaytoyou？\"Helpmeinthismatter!\"youcry。Ah，forthatI
havenorule!Andneitherdidyou，ifthatwasyourobject，cometomeasaphilosopher，butasyoumighthavegonetoaherb—selleroracobbler。——\"Whatdophilosophershaverulesfor，then？\"——Why，thatwhatevermaybetide，ourrulingfacultymaybeasNaturewouldhaveit，andsoremain。Thinkyouthisasmallmatter？Notso!butthegreatestthingthereis。Well，doesitneedbutashorttime？Canitbegraspedbyapasser—by？——graspit，ifyoucan!
Thenyouwillsay，\"Yes，ImetEpictetus!\"
Aye，justasyoumightastatueoramonument。Yousawme!
andthatisall。Butamanwhomeetsamanisonewholearnstheother’smind，andletshimseeisinturn。Learnmymind——showmeyours；andthengoandsaythatyoumetme。Letustryeachother；ifIhaveanywrongprinciple，ridmeofit；ifyouhave，outwithit。Thatiswhatmeetingaphilosophermeans。Notso，youthink；thisisonlyaflyingvisit；whilewearehiringtheship，wecanseeEpictetustoo!Letusseewhathehastosay。
Thenonleavingyoucry，\"OutonEpictetusforaworthlessfellow，provincialandbarbarousofspeech!\"Whatelseindeeddidyoucometojudgeof？
XCIV
Whetheryouwillorno，youarepoorerthanI!
\"WhatthendoIlack？\"
Whatyouhavenot：Constancyofmind，suchasNaturewouldhaveitbe：Tranquillity。Patronornopatron，whatcareI？butyoudocare。Iamricherthanyou：IamnotrackedwithanxietyastowhatCaesarmaythinkofme；Iflatternoneonthataccount。ThisiswhatIhave，insteadofvesselsofgoldandsilver!yourvesselsmaybeofgold，butyourreason，yourprinciples，youracceptedviews，yourinclinations，yourdesiresareofearthenware。
XCV
Toyou，allyouhaveseemssmall：tome，allIhaveseemsgreat。Yourdesireisinsatiable，mineissatisfied。Seechildrenthrustingtheirhandsintoanarrow—neckedjar，andstrivingtopulloutthenutsandfigsitcontains：iftheyfillthehand，theycannotpullitoutagain，andthentheyfalltotears。——
\"Letgoafewofthem，andthenyoucandrawouttherest!\"——
You，too，letyourdesirego!covetnotmanythings，andyouwillobtain。
XCVI
Pittacuswrongedbyonewhomhehaditinhispowertopunish，lethimgofree，saying，Forgivenessisbetterthanrevenge。Theoneshowsnativegentleness，theothersavagery。
XCVII
\"Mybrotheroughtnottohavetreatedmethus。\"
True：buthemustseetothat。Howeverhemaytreatme，I
mustdealrightlybyhim。Thisiswhatlieswithme，whatnonecanhinder。
XCVIII
Neverthelessamanshouldalsobepreparedtobesufficientuntohimself——todwellwithhimselfalone，evenasGoddwellswithHimselfalone，sharesHisreposewithnone，andconsidersthenatureofHisownadministration，intentuponsuchthoughtsasaremeetuntoHimself。Soshouldwealsobeabletoconversewithourselves，toneednoneelsebeside，tosighfornodistraction，tobendourthoughtsupontheDivineAdministration，andhowwestandrelatedtoallelse；toobservehowhumanaccidentstouchedusofold，andhowtheytouchusnow；whatthingstheyarethatstillhavepowertohurtus，andhowtheymaybecuredorremoved；toperfectwhatneedsperfectingasReasonwoulddirect。
XCIX
Ifamanhasfrequentintercoursewithothers，eitherinthewayofconversation，entertainment，orsimplefamiliarity，hemusteitherbecomelikethem，orchangethemtohisownfashion。
Alivecoalplacednextadeadonewilleitherkindlethatorbequenchedbyit。Suchbeingtherisk，itiswelltobecautiousinadmittingintimaciesofthissort，rememberingthatonecannotrubshoulderswithasoot—stainedmanwithoutsharingthesootoneself。Whatwillyoudo，supposingthetalkturnsongladiators，orhorses，orprize—fighters，or（whatisworse）onpersons，condemningthisandthat，approvingtheother？Orsupposeamansneersandjeersorshowsamalignanttemper？Hasanyamongustheskillofthelute—player，whoknowsatthefirsttouchwhichstringsareoutoftuneandsetstheinstrumentright：hasanyofyousuchpowerasSocrateshad，inallhisintercoursewithmen，ofwinningthemovertohisownconvictions？Nay，butyoumustneedsbeswayedhitherandthitherbytheuninstructed。Howcomesitthenthattheyprovesomuchstrongerthanyou？Becausetheyspeakfromthefulnessoftheheart——theirlow，corruptviewsaretheirrealconvictions：
whereasyourfinesentimentsarebutfromthelips，outwards；
thatiswhytheyaresonervelessanddead。Itturnsone’sstomachtolistentoyourexhortations，andhearofyourmiserableVirtue，thatyouprateofupanddown。ThusitisthattheVulgarprovetoostrongforyou。Everywherestrength，everywherevictorywaitsyourconviction!
C
Ingeneral，anymethodsofdisciplineappliedtothebodywhichtendtomodifyitsdesiresorrepulsions，aregood——forasceticends。Butifdonefordisplay，theybetrayatonceamanwhokeepsaneyeonoutwardshow；whohasanulteriorpurpose，andislookingforspectatorstoshout，\"Ohwhatagreatman!\"
ThisiswhyApolloniussowellsaid：\"Ifyouarebentuponalittleprivatediscipline，waittillyouarechokingwithheatsomeday——thentakeamouthfulofcoldwater，andspititoutagain，andtellnoman!\"
CI
Studyhowtogiveasonethatissick：thatthoumayesthereaftergiveasonethatiswhole。Fast；drinkwateronly；
abstainaltogetherfromdesire，thatthoumayesthereafterconformthydesiretoReason。
CII
Thouwouldstdogooduntomen？thenshowthembythineownexamplewhatkindofmenphilosophycanmake，andceasefromfoolishtrifling。Eating，dogoodtothemthateatwiththee；
drinking，tothemthatdrinkwiththee；yielduntoall，giveway，andbearwiththem。Thusshaltthoudothemgood：butventnotuponthemthineownevilhumour!
CIII
Evenasbadactorscannotsingalone，butonlyinchorus：sosomecannotwalkalone。
Man，ifthouartaught，strivetowalkaloneandholdconversewiththyself，insteadofskulkinginthechorus!atlengththink；lookaroungthee；bestirthyself，thatthoumayestknowwhothouart!
CIV
YouwouldfainbevictorattheOlympicgames，yousay。Yes，butweightheconditions，weightheconsequences；thenandthenonly，laytoyourhand——ifitbeforyourprofit。Youmustlivebyrule，submittodiet，abstainfromdaintymeats，exerciseyourbodyperforceatstatedhours，inheatorincold；drinknocoldwater，nor，itmaybe，wine。Inaword，youmustsurrenderyourselfwhollytoyourtrainer，asthoughtoaphysician。
Theninthehourofcontest，youwillhavetodelvetheground，itmaychancedislocateanarm，sprainanankle，gulpdownabundanceofyellowsand，bescourgewiththewhip——andwithallthissometimeslosethevictory。Countthecost——andthen，ifyourdesirestillholds，trythewrestler’slife。Elseletmetellyouthatyouwillbebehavinglikeapackofchildrenplayingnowatwrestlers，nowatgladiators；presentlyfallingtotrumpetingandanontostageplaying，whenthefancytakesthemforwhattheyhaveseen。Andyouareeventhesame：wrestler，gladiator，philosopher，oratorallbyturnsandnoneofthemwithyourwholesoul。Likeanape，youmimicwhatyousee，toonethingconstantnever；thethingthatisfamiliarcharmsnomore。
Thisisbecauseyouneverundertookaughtwithdueconsideration，norafterstrictlytestingandviewingitfromeveryside；no，yourchoicewasthoughtless；theglowofyourdesirehadwaxedcold……
Friend，bethinkyoufirstwhatitisyouwoulddo，andthenwhatyourownnatureisabletobear。Wouldyoubeawrestler，consideryourshoulders，yourthighs，yourlions——notallmenareformedtothesameend。Thinkyoutobeaphilosopherwhileactingasyoudo？thinkyougoonthuseating，thusdrinking，givingwayinlikemannertowrathandtodispleasure？Nay，youmustwatch，youmustlabour；overcomecertaindesires；quityourfamiliarfriends，submittobedespisedbyyourslave，tobeheldinderisionbythemthatmeetyou，totakethelowerplaceinallthings，inoffice，inpositionsofauthority，incourtsoflaw。
Weighthesethingsfully，andthen，ifyouwill，laytoyourhand；ifasthepriceofthesethingsyouwouldgainFreedom，Tranquillity，andpassionlessSerenity。
CV
HethathathnomusicalinstructionisachildinMusic；hethathathnolettersisachildinLearning；hethatisuntaughtisachildinLife。
CVI
Cananyprofitbederivedfromthesemen？Aye，fromall。
\"What，evenfromareviler？\"
\"Why，tellmewhatprofitawrestlergainsfromhimyouexerciseshimbeforehand？Theverygreatest：hetrainsmeinthepracticeofendurance，ofcontrollingmytemper，ofgentleways。
Youdenyit。What，themanwholaysholdofmyneck，anddisciplinesloinsandshoulders，doesmegood，……whilehethattrainsmetokeepmytemperdoesmenone？Thisiswhatitmeans，notknowinghowtogainadvantagefrommen!Ismyneighbourbad？Badtohimself，butgoodtome：hebringsmygoodtemper，mygentlenessintoplay。Ismyfatherbad？Badtohimself，butgoodtome。ThisistherodofHermes；touchwhatyouwillwithit，theysay，anditbecomesgold。Nay，butbringwhatyouwillandIwilltransmuteitintoGood。Bringsickness，bringdeath，bringpovertyandreproach，bringtrialforlife——
allthesethingsthroughtherodofHermesshallbeturnedtoprofit。
CVII
Tillthenthesesoundopinionshavetakenfirmrootinyou，andyouhavegainedameasureofstrengthforyoursecurity，I
counselyoutobecautiousinassociatingwiththeuninstructed。
ElsewhateverimpressionsyoureceiveuponthetabletsofyourmindintheSchoolwilldaybydaymeltanddisappear，likewaxinthesun。Withdrawthensomewherefarfromtgesun，whileyouhavethesewaxensentiments。
CVIII
Wemustapproachthismatterinadifferentway；itisgreatandmystical：itisnocommonthing；norgiventoeveryman。
Wisdomalone，itmaybe，willnotsufficeforthecareofyouth：
amanneedsalsoacertainmeasureofreadiness——anaptitudefortheoffice；aye，andcertainbodilyqualities；andaboveall，tobecounselledofGodHimselftoundertakethispost；evenasHecounselledSocratestofillthepostofonewhoconfuteserror，assigningtoDiogenestheroyalofficeofhighreproof，andtoZenothatofpositiveinstruction。Whereasyouwouldfainsetupforaphysicianprovidedwithnothingbutdrugs!Whereandhowtheyshouldbeappliedyouneitherknownorcare。
CIX
Ifwhatcharmsyouisnothingbutabstractprinciples，sitdownandturmthemoverquietlyinyourmind：butneverdubyourselfaPhilosopher，norsufferotherstocallyouso。Sayrather：Heisinerror；formydesires，myimpulsesareunaltered。IgiveinmyadhesiontowhatIdidbefore；norhasmymodeofdealingwiththethingsofsenseundergoneanychange。
CX
WhenafriendinclinedtoCynicviewsaskedEpictetus，whatsortofpersonatrueCynicshouldbe，requestingageneralsketchofthesystem，heanswered：——\"Wewillconsiderthatatleisure。AtpresentIcontentmyselfwithsayingthismuch：IfamanputhishandtosoweightyamatterwithoutGod，thewrathofGodabidesuponhim。Thatwhichhecovetswillbutbringuponhimpublicshame。Notevenonfindinghimselfinawell—orderedhousedoesamanstepforwardandsaytohimself，Imustbemasterhere!Elsethelordofthathousetakesnoticeofit，and，seeinghiminsolentlygivingorders，dragshimforthandchastiseshim。
SoitisalsointhisgreatCity，theWorld。HerealsoisthereaLordoftheHouse，whoordersallthing：——
\"ThouaretheSun!inthineorbitthouhastpowertomaketheyearandtheseasons；
tobidthefruitsoftheearthtogrowandincrease，thewindsariseandfall；
thoucanstinduemeasurecherishwiththywarmththeframesofmen；gomakethycircuit，andthusministeruntoallfromthegreatesttotheleast!……
\"ThoucanstleadahostagainstTroy；beAgamemnon!\"
\"ThoucanstmeetHectorinsinglecombat；beAchilles!\"
ButhadThersitessteppedforwardandclaimedthechiefcommand，hehadbeenmetwitharefusal，orobtaineditonlytohisownshameandconfusionofface，beforeacloudofwitnesses。\"
CXI
Othersmayfencethemselveswithwallsandhouses，whentheydosuchdeedsasthese，andwrapthemselvesindarkness——aye，theyhavemanyadevicetohidethemselves。Anothermayshuthisdoorandstationonebeforehischambertosay，ifanycomes，Hehasgoneforth!heisnotatleisure!ButthetrueCynicwillhavenoneofthesethings；insteadofthem，hemustwraphimselfinModesty：elsehewillbutbringhimselftoshame，nakedandundertheopensky。Thatishishouse；thatishisdoor；thatistheslavethatguardshischamber；thatishisdarkness!
CXII
Death？letitcomewhenitwill，whetheritsmitebutapartofthewhole：Fly，youtellme——fly!ButwhithershallIfly？
CananymancastmebeyondthelimitsoftheWorld？Itmaynotbe!AndwhithersoeverIgo，thereshallIstillfindSun，Moon，andStars；thereIshallfinddreams，andomens，andconversewiththeGods!
CXIII
FurthermorethetrueCynicmustknowthatheissentasaMessengerfromGodtomen，toshowuntothemthatastouchinggoodandeviltheyareinerror；lookingforthesewheretheyarenottobefound，noreverbethinkingthemselveswheretheyare。
AndlikeDiogeneswhenbroughtbeforePhilipafterthebattleofChaeronea，theCynicmustrememberthatheisaSpy。ForaSpyhereallyis——tobringbackwordwhatthingsareonMan’sside，andwhatagainsthim。Andwhenhehaddiligentlyobservedall，hemustcomebackwithatruereport，notterrifiedintoannouncingthemtobefoesthatarenofoes，norotherwiseperturbedorconfoundedbythethingsofsense。
CXIV
Howcanitbethatonewhohathnothing，neitherraimant，norhouse，norhome，norbodilytendance，norservant，norcity，shouldyetlivetranquilandcontented？BeholdGodhathsentyouamantoshowyouinactanddeedthatitmaybeso。Beholdme!I
haveneitherhousenorpossessionsnorservants：thegroundismycouch；Ihavenowife，nochildren，noshelter——nothingbutearthandsky，andonepoorcloak。AndwhatlackIyet？amInotuntouchedbysorrow，byfear？amInotfree？……whenhaveI
laidanythingtothechargeofGodorMan？whenhaveIaccussedany？hathanyofyouseenmewithasorrowfulcountenance？AndinwhatwisetreatIthoseofwhomyoustandinfearandawe？Isitnotasslaves？WhowhenheseethmedothnotthinkthathebeholdethhisMasterandhisKing？
CXV
Givethyselfmorediligentlytoreflection：knowthyself：
takecounselwiththeGodhead：withoutGodputthinehanduntonothing!
CXVI
\"Buttomarryandtorearoffspring，\"saidtheyoungman，\"willtheCynicholdhimselfboundtoundertakethisasachiefduty？\"
Grantmearepublicofwisemen，answeredEpictetus，andperhapsnonewilllightlytaketheCyniclifeuponhim。Foronwhoseaccountshouldheembracethatmethodoflife？Supposehoweverthathedoes，therewillthenbenothingtohinderhismarryingandrearingoffspring。Forhiswifewillbeevensuchanotherashimself，andlikewiseherfather；andinlikemannerwillhischildrenbebroughtup。
Butinthepresentconditionofthings，whichresemblesanArmyinbattlearray，oughtnottheCynictobefreefromalldistractionandgivenwhollytotheserviceofGod，sothathecangoinandoutamongmen，neitherfetteredbythedutiesnorentangledbytherelationsofcommonlife？Forifhetransgressthem，hewillforfeitthecharacterofagoodmanandtrue；
whereasifheobservethem，thereisanendtohimastheMessenger，theSpy，theHeraldoftheGods!
CXVII
AskmeifyouchooseifaCynicshallengageintheadministrationoftheState。Ofool，seekyouanobleradministrationthatthatinwhichheisengaged？AskyouifamanshallcomeforwardintheAthenianassemblyandtalkaboutrevenueandsupplies，whenhisbusinessistoconversewithallmen，Athenians，Corinthians，andRomansalike，notaboutsupplies，notaboutrevenue，noryetpeaceandwar，butaboutHappinessandMisery，ProsperityandAdversity，SlaveryandFreedom？
AskyouwhetheramanshallengageintheadministrationoftheStatewhohasengagedinsuchanAdministrationasthis？Askmetooifheshallgovern；andagainIwillanswer，Fool，whatgreatergovernmentshallheholdthanheholdsalready？
CXVIII
Suchamanneedsalsotohaveacertainhabitofbody。Ifheappearsconsumptive，thinandpale，histestimonyhasnolongerthesameauthority。HemustnotonlyprovetotheunlearnedbyshowingthemwhathisSoulisthatitispossibletobeagoodmanapartfromallthattheyadmire；buthemustalsoshowthem，byhisbody，thataplainandsimplemanneroflifeundertheopenskydoesnoharmtothebodyeither。\"See，Iamproofofthis!andmybodyalso。\"AsDiogenesusedtodo，whowentaboutfreshoflookandbytheveryappearanceofhisbodydrewmen’seyes。ButifaCynicisanobjectofpity，heseemsamerebeggar；allturnaway，allareoffendedathim。Norshouldhebeslovenlyoflook，soasnottoscaremenfromhiminthiswayeither；onthecontrary，hisveryroughnessshouldbecleanandattractive。
CXIX
Kingsandtyrantshavearmedguardswherewithtochastisecertainpersons，thoughtheythemselvesbeevil。ButtotheCynicconsciencegivesthispower——notarmsandguards。Whenheknowsthathehaswatchedandlabouredonbehalfofmankind：thatsleephathfoundhimpure，andlefthimpurerstill：thathisthoughtshavebeenthethoughtofaFriendoftheGods——ofaservant，yetonethathathapartinthegovernmentoftheSupremeGod：thatthewordsareeveronhislips：——
Leadme，OGod，andthou，ODestiny!
aswellasthese：——
IfthisbeGod’swill，soletitbe!
whyshouldhenotspeakboldlyuntohisownbrethren，untohischildren——inaword，untoallthatareakintohim!
CXX
DoesaPhilosopherapplytopeopletocomeandhearhim？
doeshenotrather，ofhisownnature，attractthosethatwillbebenefitedbyhim——likethesunthatwarms，thefoodthatsustainsthem？WhatPhysicianappliestomentocomeandbehealed？
（ThoughindeedIhearthatthePhysiciansatRomedonowadaysapplyforpatients——inmytimetheywereappliedto。）Iapplytoyoutocomeandhearthatyouareinevilcase；thatwhatdeservesyourattentionmostinthelastthingtogainit；thatyouknownotgoodfromevil，andareinshortahaplesswretch；afinewaytoapply!thoughunlessthewordsofthePhilosopheraffectyouthus，speakerandspeecharealikedead。
CXXI
APhilosopher’sschoolisaSurgery：pain，notpleasure，youshouldhavefelttherein。Foronenteringnoneofyouiswhole。
Onehasashoulderoutofjoint，anotheranabscess：athirdsuffersfromanissue，afourthfrompainsinthehead。AndamI
thentositdownandtreatyoutoprettysentimentsandemptyflourishes，sothatyoumayapplaudmeanddepart，withneithershoulder，norhead，norissue，norabscessawhitthebetterforyourvisit？Isitthenforthisthatyoungmenaretoquittheirhomes，andleaveparents，friends，kinsmenandsubstancetomouthoutBravotoyouremptyphrases!
CXXII
Ifanybeunhappy，lethimrememberthatheisunhappybyreasonofhimselfalone。ForGodhathmadeallmentoenjoyfelicityandconstancyofgood。
CXXIII
Shallweneverweanourselves——shallweneverheedtheteachingsofPhilosophy（unlessperchancetheyhavebeensoundinginourearslikeandenchanter’sdrone）：——
ThisWorldisonegreatCity，andoneifthesubstancewhereofitisfashioned：acertainperiodindeedthereneedsmustbe，whilethesegiveplacetothose；somemustperishforotherstosucceed；somemoveandsomeabide：yetallisfulloffriends——
firstGod，thenMen，whomNaturehathboundbytiesofkindredeachtoeach。
CXXIV
Nordidtheheroweepandlamentatleavinghischildrenorphans。Forheknewthatnomanisanorphan，butitistheFatherthatcarethforallcontinuallyandforevermore。NotbymerereporthadheheardthattheSupremeGodistheFatherofmen：seeingthathecalledHimFatherbelievingHimsotobe，andinallthathedidhadeverhiseyesfixeduponHim。Whereforeinwhatsoeverplacehewas，thereiswasgivenhimtolivehappily。
CXXV
Knowyounotthatthethingisawarfare？oneman’sdutyistomountguard，anothermustgoouttoreconnoitre，athirdtobattle；allcannotbeinoneplace，norwoulditevenbeexpedient。Butyou，insteadofexecutingyouCommander’sorders，complainifaughtharsherthanusualisenjoined；notunderstandingtowhatconditionyouarebringingthearmy，sofarasinyoulies。Ifallweretofollowyourexample，nonewoulddigatrench，nonewouldcastarampartaroundthecamp，nonewouldkeepwatch，orexposehimselftodanger；butallturnoutuselessfortheserviceofwar……Thusitisherealso。Everylifeisawarfare，andthatlongandvarious。Youmustfulfilasolider’sduty，andobeyeachorderatyourcommander’snod：aye，ifitbepossible，divinewhathewouldhavedone；forbetweenthatCommandandthis，thereisnocomparison，eitherinmightorinexcellence。
CXXVI
Haveyouagainforgotten？Knowyounotthatagoodmandoesnothingforappearance’sake，butforthesakeofhavingdoneright？……
\"Istherenorewardthen？\"
Reward!doyouseekanygreaterrewardforagoodmanthandoingwhatisrightandjust？YetattheGreatGamesyoulookfornothingelse；therethevictor’scrownyoudeemenough。Seemsittoyousosmallathingandworthless，tobeagoodman，andhappytherein？
CXXVII
Itbefitstheenottobeunhappybyreasonofany，butrathertobehappybyreasonofallmen，andespeciallybyreasonofGod，whoformedustothisend。
CXXVIII
What，didDiogeneslovenoman，hethatwassogentle，sotrueafriendtomenascheerfullytoenduresuchbodilyhardshipsforthecommonwealofallmankind？Buthowlovedhethem？AsbehovedaministeroftheSupremeGod，alikecaringformenandsubjectuntoGod。
CXXIX
IambyNaturemadeformyowngood；notformyownevil。
CXXX
Remindthyselfthathewhomthoulovestismortal——thatwhatthoulovestisnotthineown；itisgiventheeforthepresent，notirrevocablynorforever，butevenasafigorabunchofgrapesattheappointedseasonoftheyear……
\"Butthesearewordsofevilomen。\"……
What，callestthouaughtofevilomensavethatwhichsignifiessomeevilthing？Cowardiceisawordofevilomen，ifthouwilt，andmeannessofspirit，andlamentationandmourning，andshamelessness……
Butdonot，Ipraythee，callofevilomenawordthatissignificantofanynaturalthing：——aswellcallofevilomenthereapingofthecorn；forthatmeansthedestructionoftheears，thoughnotoftheWorld!——aswellsaythatthefalloftheleafisofevilomen；thatthedriedfigshouldtaketheplaceofthegreen；thatraisinsshouldbemadefromgrapes。Allthesearechangesfromaformerstateintoanother；notdestruction，butanorderedeconomy，afixedadministration。Suchisleavinghome，achangeofsmallaccount；suchisDeath，agreaterchange，fromwhatnowis，nottowhatisnot，buttoehatisnotnow。
\"ShallIthennolongerbe？\"
Notso；thouwiltbe；butsomethingdifferent，ofwhichtheWorldnowhathneed。Forthoutoowertbornnotwhenthouchosest，butwhentheWorldhadneedofthee。
CXXXI
Whereforeagoodmanandtrue，bearinginmindwhoheisandwhencehecameandfromwhomhesprang，caresonlyhowhemayfillhispostwithduedisciplineandobediencetoGod。
WiltthouthatIcontinuetolive？ThenwillIlive，asonethatisfreeandnoble，asThouwouldsthaveme。ForThowhastmademefreefromhindranceinwhatappertainethuntome。ButhastThounofurtherneedofme？IthankThee!UptothishourhaveIstayedforThysakeandnoneother’s：andnowinobediencetoTheeIdepart。
\"Howdostthoudepart？\"
AgainIsay，asThounwouldsthaveme；asonethatisfree，asThyservant，asonewhoseearisopenuntowhatThoudostenjoin，whatThoudostforbid。
CXXXII
WhatsoeverplaceorpostThouassignestme，soonerwillI
dieathousanddeaths，asSocratessaid，thendepartit。AndwherewiltThouhavebeme？AtRomeofAthens？AtThebesoronadesertisland？Onlyremembermethere!ShouldstThousendmewheremancannotliveasNaturewouldhavehim，Iwilldepart，notindisobediencetoThee，butasthoughThouwertsoundingthesignalformyretreat：IamnotdesertingThee——farbethatfromme!Ionlyperceivethatthouneedestmenolonger。
CXXXIII
IfyouareinGyaros，donotletyourminddwelluponlifeatRome，andallthepleasuresitofferedtoyouwhenlivingthere，andallthatwouldattendyourreturn。Ratherbeintentonthis——howhethatlivesinGyarosmayliveinGyaroslikeamanofspirit。AndifyouareatRome，donotletyourminddwelluponthelifeatAthens，butstudyonlyhowtoliveatRome。
Finally，intheroomofallotherpleasuresputthis——thepleasurewhichspringsfromconciousobediencetoGod。
CXXXIV
Toagoodmanthereisnoevil，eitherinlifeordeath。AndifGodsupplynotfood，hasHenot，asawiseCommander，soundedthesignalforretreatandnothingmore？Iobey，Ifollow——
speakinggoodofmyCommander，andpraisingHisacts。ForatHisgoodpleasureIcame；andIdepartwhenitpleasesHim；andwhileIwasyetalivethatwasmywork，tosingpraisesuntoGod!
CXXXV
ReflectthatthechiefsourceofallevilstoMan，andofbasenessandcowardice，isnotdeath，butthefearofdeath。
Againstthisfearthen，Iprayyou，hardenyourself；tothisletallyourreasonings，yourexercises，yourreadingtend。Thenshallyouknowthatthusalonearemensetfree。
CXXXVI
Heisfreewholivesashewishestolive；towhomnonecandoviolence，nonehinderorcompel；whoseimpulsesareunimpeded，whosedesiresareattaintheirpurpose，whofallsnotintowhathewouldavoid。Whethenwouldliveinerror？——None。Whowouldlivedeceivedandpronetofall，unjust，intemperate，inabjectwhiningathislot？——None。Thendothnowickedmanliveashewould，andthereforeneitherishefree。
CXXXVII
Thusdothemorecautiousoftravellersact。Theroadissaidtobebesetbyrobbers。Thetravellerwillnotventurealone，butawaitsthecompanionshipontheroadofanambassador，aquaestororaproconsul。Tohimheattacheshimselfandthuspassesbyinsafety。Sodoththewisemanintheworld。Manyarethecompaniesofrobbersandtyrants，manythestorms，thestraits，thelossesofallamanholdsdearest。Whithershallhefallforrefuge——howshallhepassbyunassailed？Whatcompanionontheroadshallheawaitforprotection？Suchandsuchawealthyman，ofconsularrank？AndhowshallIbeprofited，ifheisstrippedandfallstolamentationandweeping？Andhowifmyfellow—travellerhimselfturnsuponmeandrobsme？WhatamItodo？IwillbecomeafriendofCaesar’s!inhistrainnonewilldomewrong!Inthefirstplace——OtheindignitiesImustenduretowindistinction!Othemultitudeofhandstherewillbetorobme!AndifIsucceed，Caesartooisbutamortal。WhileshoulditcometopassthatIoffendhim，whithershallIfleefromhispresence？Tothewilderness？Andmaynotfeverawaitmethere？
Whatthenistobedone？Cannotafellow—travellerbefoundthatishonestandloyal，stongandsecureagainstsurprise？Thusdoththewisemanreason，consideringthatifhewouldpassthroughinsafety，hemustattachhimselfuntoGod。
CXXXVIII
\"HowunderstandestthouattachhimselftoGod？\"
ThatwhatGodwills，heshouldwillalso；thatwhatGodwillsnot，neithershouldhewill。
\"Howthenmaythiscometopass？\"
ByconsideringthemovementsofGod，andHisadministration。
CXXXIX
Anddostthouthathastreceivedallfromanother’shands，repineandblametheGiver，ifHetakesanythingfromthee？Why，whoartthou，andtowhatendcomestthouhere？wasitnotHethatmadetheLightmanifestuntothee，thatgavetheefellow—workers，andsenses，andthepowertoreason？AndhowbroughtHetheeintotheworld？Wasitnotasoneborntodie；asoneboundtoliveouthisearthlylifeinsomesmalltabernacleofflesh；
tobeholdHisadministration，andforalittlewhilesharewithHiminthemightymarchofthisgreatFestivalProcession？Nowthereforethatthouhastbeheld，whileitwaspermittedthee，theSolemnFeastandAssembly，wiltthounotcheerfullydepart，whemHesummonstheeforth，withadorationandthanksgivingforwhatthouhastseenandheard？——\"Nay，butIwouldfainhavestayedlongerattheFestival。\"——Ah，sowouldthemysticsfainhavetheritesprolonged；soperchancewouldthecrowdattheGreatGamesfainbeholdmorewrestlersstill。ButtheSolemnAssemblyisover!Comeforth，departwiththanksgivingandmodesty——giveplacetoothersthatmustcomeintobeingevenasthyself。
CXL
Whyartthouthusinsatiable？whythusunreasonable？whyencumbertheworld？——\"Aye，butIfainwouldhavemywifeandchildrenwithmetoo。\"——What，aretheythenthine，andnotHisthatgavethem——Histhatmadethee？Giveupthenthatwhichisnotthineown：yieldittoOnewhoisbetterthanthou。\"Nay，butwhydidHebringoneintotheworldontheseconditions？\"——Ifitsuitstheenot，depart!Hehathnoneedofaspectatorwhofindsfaultwithhislot!ThemthatwilltakepartintheFeastheneedeth——thatwilllifttheirvoiceswiththerestmthatmenmayapplaudthemore，andexalttheGreatAssemblyinhymnsandsongsofpraise。ButthewretchedandthefearfulHewillnotbedispleasedtoseeabsentfromit：forwhentheywerepresent，theydidnotbehaveasataFeast，norfulfiltheirproperoffice；butmoanedasthoughinpain，andfoundfaultwiththeirfate，theirfortuneandtheircompanions；insensibletowhathadfallentotheirlot，insensibletothepowerstheyhadreceivedforaverydifferentpurpose——thepowersofMagnanimity，NobilityofHeart，ofFortitude，orFreedom!
CXLI
Artthouthenfree？amanmaysay。Sohelpmeheaven，Ilongandprayforfreedom!ButIcannotlookmymastersboldlyintheface；Istillvaluethepoorbody；Istillsetmuchstoreonitspreservationwholeandsound。
ButIcanpointtheeoutafreeman，thatthoumayestbenomoreinsearchofanexample。Diogeneswasfree。Howso？Notbecausehewasoffreeparentage（forthat，indeed，wasnotthecase），butbecausehewashimselffree。Hehadcastawayeveryhandlewherebyslaverymightlayholdofhimtoenslavehim，norwasitpossibleforanytoapproachandtakeholdofhimtoenslavehim。Allthingssatlooseuponhim——allthingsweretohimattachedbybutslenderties。Hadstthousiezeduponhispossessions，hewouldratherhaveletthemgothanhavefollowedtheeforthem——aye，haditbeenevenalimb，ormayhaphiswholebody；andinlikemanner，relatives，friends，andcountry。Forheknewwhencetheycame——fromwhosehandsandonwhattermshehadreceivedthem。Histrueforefathers，theGods，histrueCountry，heneverwouldhaveabandoned；norwouldhehaveyieldedtoanymaninobedienceandsubmissiontotheonenorincheerfullydyingfortheother。Forhewasevermindfulthateverythingthatcomestopasshasitssourceandoriginthere；beingindeedbroughtaboutforthewealofthathistrueCountry，anddirectedbyHiminwhosegovernanceitis。